Karina Cooper is news director for the Northern Advocate
Karina Cooper is news director at the Northern Advocate based in Whangārei. Inspired by a lifetime of growing up in Northland, she ventured off to the Waikato Institute of Technology to gain a Bachelor of Media Arts majoring in communication and a post-graduate diploma in journalism which gave her the tools to tell the region’s stories. Karina’s career began at the community newspaper, The Whangārei Report, back in 2010. In her first year as a professional journalist, she won APN’s best junior reporter. She continues to uphold those high standards as she has moved into the more fast-paced world of news and as she leads a team of reporters. She has an interest in an array of topics but at the end of the day her favourite stories are always the ones with people at the heart of them. You can contact Karina at karina.cooper@nzme.co.nz.
ArtBeat proves popular: Showcasing Town Basin as successful festival venue, organisers say
Thousands of people turned out to explore their creative flair at Saturday's festival.
The biggest and best Northland Field Days yet, organiser says
More than 300 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest in farming and lifestyle.
'Yeah, nah': Whangārei Lotto winners shell-shocked by $1m win
The couple won the 'life-changing' prize off a bonus ticket.
75yo Ironman Brian Barach gearing up for milestone event
The addiction continues for long-running Ironman Brian Barach despite highs and lows.
ReSport golfing fundraiser to tee off in the name of helping others
The carnival style day is about giving back to the community, organiser says.
Teen killed in Far North crash: Police warn about wet weather
The rain after weeks of dry weather is said to have contributed to the crash.
Window into the world before Christianity restored after lost taonga found 200 years later
There are more than 16,000 taonga Māori in overseas museums.
Person dies in Far North crash: SH10 reopens
Emergency services are responding to a crash on SH10 near Cottle Drive.
Whangārei Lotto player wins big in Saturday night draw
However, Powerball wasn't won, meaning $10m is up for grabs on Wednesday.
Lock Josh Beehre makes Blues debut against Fijian Drua in Whangārei hometown
The former Whangārei Boys' High School student says he has come full circle.
Fundraiser started for young family who 'lost everything' in house fire
'Fortunately, they are all safe, but they are all shaken from this traumatic incident.'
Mum grabs kids and runs as fire breaks out in kitchen
A young couple have lost everything after their Whangārei home caught fire.
Good Samaritan beaten with bats and bars after trying to stop assault
Police are appealing for the public's help as they investigate the 'cowardly' attacks.
Spate of arrests made after 'violent and brazen' crimes carried out on Northland roads
Police are not ruling out further arrests as they continue their investigations.
'Death is there to make us realise that life is gorgeous': Expert shares why dying isn't taboo
'The fear is to die before you have lived fully. That’s our real fear.'
Fatal crash in Waiharara: Second road death in Northland in less than 24 hours
A person has died and four others have suffered serious to moderate injuries.
Person killed in logging truck crash on State Highway 15
A section of Mangakahia Rd is currently closed.
Cyclone Gabrielle one year on: How Northland is picking up the pieces
Even though a year has passed, remnants of the storm's destruction remain.
Fishing club reeling with delight after record number of marlin catches
The last spike in marlin catches was in 2016 during an El Niño climate pattern.
Tensions flatline at Waitangi Day ceremony - unless you are David Seymour
The Act leader was booed by the crowd at the dawn ceremony.
'The thing with cancer is, it doesn’t discriminate': Young mum's message after shock diagnosis
The 27yo felt at the peak of life when a shock diagnosis turned her world on its head.
What's on this Waitangi weekend
Plenty is on offer to cater for people with all interests this weekend.
Police investigating unexplained death in Bay of Islands
The death is not currently considered suspicious, police say.
Rugby league fundraiser for youth attracts major sporting talent
Among the star-studded line up are Kiwi players Ruben Wiki, Duane Mann, and Jerry Suesue.
Donors help Kaikohe Tooth Fairy they say helped them: Court fines covered by fundraiser
One person donated $7000 to help pay Claire Wihongi-Matene's court imposed fine.
'Much-loved by all': Father named as roadworker killed on the job
Gabriel Fa'amausili is being remembered as a man who cared deeply for his family.
Trapped by tide: Surf lifeguards rescue family clinging to rocks
A high tide and large swells trapped the family inside a cave during a beach outing.
Holidaymaker horrified after child seen hanging on to moving car at beach
A child was seen standing on the vehicle's running board, hanging on to the window.
The car most stolen in Northland revealed
Data shows that vehicle thefts peak between 10pm and 5am.
'Mum would've loved that': Calls to restore and protect Dame Whina Cooper's former home
Cooper's daughter shares her memories of the family home, now worn out.
What the?! Discovery of unusual snake-like animal mystifies dogwalkers
'The way it was lying made it look like a snake. Neither of us wanted to get too close...'
Homeless trespassed from downtown Whangārei streets
A homeless man says he is prevented from accessing the city's only day shelter.
Northland's top baby names for 2023 revealed
Can you guess which baby names proved the most popular in Northland?
Volunteers clean up Maunu Cemetery to help raise community spirit
Friends of Maunu Cemetery help tidy the grounds once a week as a way to give back.
'Hell of a splash': Great white shark spotted near Whangārei Heads
The white pointer, believed to be 3m long, was spotted leaping out of the water.
New Year Honour recognises the '17yo farm boy from Marua' who became a table tennis great
James Morris, 71, has been made an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Granddaughter of late Sir James Hēnare says serving Māori community 'a privilege'
Rowena Tana, 63, has received a QSM for services to the Māori community.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Kaipara women help community heal from sexual and domestic violence
Community meetings in 1984 concerned about sexual and domestic violence sparked change.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Kiwi corridor's major success but Kiwi Coast says there's more to be done
Everyone can play a part in Kiwi Coast's “genetic rescue mission” to help kiwi.
Family man's death at Far North beach led local woman to save lives nationwide
After a heartbreaking drowning at Cable Bay, local Pat Millar decided to take action.
Diver missing in Bay of Islands found dead
The diver was reported missing at Wahihi Bay at 6.40pm on Thursday.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Mum's mission to find job for son with Down syndrome opens doors for others
'Taimahi is more than just a charitable organisation.'
Christmas Appeal 2023: More helping hands needed as victims of crime increase
Victim Support supported more than 48,000 people nationwide last year.
Brynderwyns to close for nine weeks next year, NZTA confirms
Easter is set to be spared as plans for the closure of the Brynderwyns are revealed.
Xmas Appeal 2023: Waipoua Forest Trust's call for more to join conservation mission
The trust's main aim to is protect the forest, which houses much biodiversity.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Northland Impact Trust changes the lives of Far North youth
The trust provides diverse and empowering experiences for youth finding their way.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Ruakākā Dog Rescue's simple festive wish for safe, loved canines
"Our Christmas wish is simple. We dream of every dog finding a safe, secure home."
Dazzling lights, festive inflatables, a snow globe: Your 2023 Christmas Lights Trail guide
Get your dose of Christmas cheer by checking out the hordes of homes lit up.
Christmas Appeal 2023: Seniors ASAP Trust 'absolutely overwhelmed' by demand for elder abuse help
Everyone can play a part in preventing or stopping elder abuse, the trust says.
Iwi put foot down over ashes being scattered at Cape Reinga
'It is very much a place for the living.'
Christmas Appeal 2023: Special Olympics Whangārei 'woefully short of volunteers'
The Olympics where the last athlete across the line gets the biggest cheer.
Whangārei Cat Rescue tackles cat-astrophic problem
The rescue currently has 60 kittens in their care but can take up to 90.
The thinning blue line: Where our police are going and the plans to help them stay
“This is a difficult job. There comes a point in time where you want a change."
Hot property: Overseas buyers fly in to view 'highly desirable' Whangārei Heads home
Potential buyers choppered in to the semi-remote area to view the stunning home.
Charges laid against powerboat skipper after collision with Blue Ferry
The iconic Blue Ferry sank on April 13 after a collision involving the powerboat.
31yo's shock cancer diagnosis months after arriving in NZ
The one question on her mind: “Did I leave this too late?”
Former minister under fire for delay in Russell/Kororāreka name restoration decision
“What is says is that Māori are not important enough to make a decision about this."
‘Precious' kauri gum allegedly stolen from Waitangi returned, police say
Museum staff have been left appalled at what they say was a 'shameless' daytime theft.
Innocent shoppers attacked as fight spills out of Far North supermarket
Police have labelled the assault an 'appalling act' that has no place in the community.
Māori Battalion taonga stolen from Waitangi museum in broad daylight
The kauri gum treasure, the size of a small netball, was taken around midday on Sunday.
Jason Momoa filming leads to recovery of large trove of kōiwi on Far North beach
It turned out a farmer had been finding kōiwi on Elliot Bay for about a year.
Calls for sightings of whale with line tangled around tail off Northland coast
The whale is believed to be able to breathe as its head and fins are free from the line.
Firefighters battle blaze at Waipapa home
Five Far North fire appliances are at the scene.
'Dangerous' and 'scary': Life as a rough sleeper under a bridge
'Rats will crawl over you, confront you.'
Red tide looks to turn blue: Who led the race for Northland's seats?
A nail-biting race for one electorate had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Northlanders urged to join the hunt for NZ's next fallen meteorite
Nine known meteorites in the past 160 years have been found after landing in NZ.
Ruakākā homicide: Police name man found dead on road
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the coming days.
Police arrest man who allegedly forced motorist off road and took cash
A 20-year-old man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.
Whangārei baker rises above national competition to win Baker of the Year
Bethany Friend says her award-winning skills began at a young age with her grandmother.
SH1 cleared after crash in Oakleigh
People are being warned to expect delays after a crash took place this afternoon.
Social supermarket running on empty as it fields around 50 calls for help a day
155 Whare Kai manager Samantha Cassidy says the demand for food grows year-on-year.
Whangārei colder than Invercargill overnight: Northland catches a chill
A colder than normal October is on the cards.
'My heart was pounding, I was shaking': Fears women are being targeted on rural roads
More women have come forward to share their alarming encounters with a lone motorist.
General election countdown: Meet the candidates vying for the Northland electorate
Northland candidates answer three questions critical for voters to know the answers to.
General election countdown: Meet the candidates vying for Te Tai Tōkerau
Tai Tōkerau candidates answer three questions critical for voters to know the answers to.
General election countdown: Meet the candidates vying for the Whangārei electorate
Whangārei candidates answer three questions critical for voters to know the answers to.
'Huge flash and loud bang' as lightning strikes gas bottle and sets home alight
Phone chargers were blown apart and plugs were sent flying from the walls.
Flood resilience in remote communities boosted with $8.9m in Govt funding
The Govt acknowledged the time its taken to assist Northland's remote communities.